PIGE Cross Sections in ³⁵,³⁷Cl and EnsarRoot Developments in Applied Gamma Spectroscopy

Abstract

The present thesis is focused on gamma spectroscopy studies using germanium semiconductor detectors. In particular, two different lines of research were addressed. On one hand, gamma emissions coming from low energy proton interactions on the two stable isotopes of chlorine, 35Cl and 37Cl, via elastic scattering and (p,alfa) and (p,n) channels were investigated with the purpose of measuring, for the first time, detailed gamma yields and differential cross sections. The other branch of research was the study of environmental gamma radiation. Natural sources of radiation have been investigated by measuring and analysing the background at three locations. The EnsarRoot program was the cornerstone of these investigations, because it provided a general framework where data analysis and simulations were conducted.